Creating Timothy Turtle: The Journey of an Art Sculpture for Haller Park by Artist Alice Burgin
- Jun 7
- 5 min read
Updated: Jun 12
Public art brings communities together, sparking curiosity and pride in shared spaces. In Arlington’s Haller Park, a new sculpture named Timothy Turtle is set to become a beloved landmark this summer. Created by artist Alice Burgin, this piece combines steel, concrete, rocks, and blue glass to capture the spirit of a turtle in a unique and lasting form. The story behind Timothy Turtle reveals the careful planning, craftsmanship, and creativity that go into making public art.
Alice was inspired to create a new turtle sculpture for the park, reminiscent of a beloved piece she had crafted in the past. To refine her vision, she presented her ideas to the arts council members, seeking their feedback. With their input, she developed a small model of the turtle, which she proudly showcased at the nature art show, where it won 1st place in the 3D division. Buoyed by this success, Alice applied for funding through the City of Arlington's public art program. Her proposal was met with enthusiasm, and she received approval from the Parks, Arts, and Recreation Commission for the 2026 art program, bringing her dream of a new turtle sculpture one step closer to reality.
Designing the Sculpture
Alice Burgin began the project by envisioning a turtle that would fit naturally into the park’s playful splash pad environment. She wanted the sculpture to feel both strong and approachable, reflecting the slow, steady nature of turtles. The design process started with sketches, and measuring, and the small model, which helped refine the shape and details.
Building the Frame and Body
Once a conceptual design created, Alice moved on to consulting with an Arlington metal fabricator business owner, Matthew Burke. Matthew refined the design and set to work on creating the "skeleton." The frame is made of steel, chosen for its strength and durability. This skeleton supports the weight of the concrete body and ensures the sculpture withstands outdoor conditions.
Acquiring the Right Blue Glass
In her quest for the perfect blue glass, Alice initially placed an order, but the glass unfortunately turned out to be too small for her needs. Frustrated but determined, she decided to reach out to Pilchuck Glass School, a renowned institution known for its expertise in glassmaking.
Upon contacting Pilchuck, she was met with a wealth of knowledge and assistance. The team guided her through the entire process, ensuring that she understood the specifications required to create the right size and texture of glass. They emphasized the importance of not only achieving the desired dimensions but also ensuring that the glass would be smooth and brilliant, prioritizing both safety for children and aesthetic appeal.
With Pilchuck's support, she was able to successfully create a stunning piece of blue glass that met all her requirements, combining beauty with functionality in a way that perfectly suited her vision.
"A HUGE DAY! Putting the glass into 2 big kilns to adjust the calculations for the first time! We’ve been using small kilns for glass tests… but this much glass into different kilns? Will I ruin everything?"
Michael Endo did the final calculations before firing along with Tyler Gorden, the Campus Director - The two top people at Pilchuck Glass School and important people to Dale Chihuly! A HUGE DAY!
Selecting the Right Rocks
Alice was very particular about choosing the perfect rocks to complement the design on the turtle's back and legs. Her selection process involved several key considerations:
Size: Alice carefully evaluated the sizes of the rocks to ensure they would fit seamlessly into the overall design. Each rock needed to be proportionate to the turtle's body, enhancing its appearance without overwhelming it.
Shape: The shapes of the rocks were crucial as well. Alice sought out unique forms that would add interest and texture to the turtle's design. The right shapes could create a more dynamic and visually appealing look.
Color and Veining: Selecting native stones with variations in color and veining was essential to Alice. These natural variations would not only highlight the beauty of the stones but also create a harmonious blend with the turtle's natural colors.
To find the ideal stones, Alice made several trips to Lenz Enterprises in Stanwood. Each visit allowed her to explore a diverse selection of rocks, ensuring that she could handpick the best options for her project.
Building the Body with Concrete
To create a robust and visually appealing structure, the process of building the body with concrete begins with a solid foundation. In this case, the construction started with the delivery of a metal frame to Alice. This frame serves as the skeleton for the concrete body.
Alice began by adding concrete mesh to the skeleton. Cutting the concrete mesh by hand can be quite challenging and hard on the hands. It's important to take precautions to protect your hands while working on this task. Alice had to develop a different kind of concrete mesh structure "cells" to hold vertical concrete in place.
Hand Molding the Concrete
(June 2026) With the frame in place, the next step involved hand molding the concrete. This meticulous process is carried out one section at a time, allowing for precise control over the consistency and texture of the material. Each layer of concrete is carefully applied to ensure a uniform thickness and adequate bonding with the metal frame.
Next Step: Adding the Rocks
After the initial layers of concrete are set, the final layer will involve incorporating decorative rocks. These rocks not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of the structure but also add texture and character. The rocks will be strategically placed within the wet concrete to create a natural look.
To complete the process, mortaring will be applied around the rocks. This step is crucial as it fills any gaps and secures the rocks in place, ensuring they remain stable and integrated into the overall design. The mortar also provides additional durability to the structure, enhancing its longevity and resilience.
These rocks also connect the sculpture to the natural elements of Haller Park.
The blue glass pieces will be embedded in the concrete around the "skirt" of the turtle's back. This detail adds life and color to the sculpture.
Preparing for Installation
Alice has worked closely with city officials and park staff to plan the installation. However, the construction of the turtle may take longer than she originally thought. She is hoping to have Timothy installed by the fall of 2026; if that timeline is not met, we will introduce him to Haller Park in the spring of 2027.
Timothy Turtle's Home Among the Art of Arlington
This sculpture will add more than just visual interest to Haller Park. It represents a commitment to public art that enriches community spaces. Timothy Turtle will invite visitors to pause, reflect, and enjoy a moment of creativity outdoors.
Alice Burgin’s work shows how art can blend with nature and local culture. The use of natural materials like rocks and the turtle theme connect the sculpture to the environment and local wildlife.
For those interested in public art, Alice’s process offers insight into the dedication and craftsmanship required. Watching Timothy Turtle come to life encourages support for future projects that bring beauty and meaning to shared spaces.
She is a dedicated, inspiring artist!